Moulding

ABSTRACT

The invention provides methods and molding devices for molding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption, in particular from a mass of meat, in particular chicken.  
     The method comprises filling a mold cavity with a portion of the mass under the influence of a filling pressure exerted on the mass and for a filling period via a filling opening associated with the mold cavity, closing the filling opening of the mold cavity and holding the mass in the mold cavity for a fixing period. Then, the mold cavity is opened and the molded product is removed from the mold cavity. The method uses fixing-pressure-exerting means which are designed to exert a fixing pressure which acts on the mass in the mold cavity after the filled mold cavity has been closed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a continuation in part application of PCT/NL99/00701filed Nov. 16, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of mouldingthree-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitablefor human consumption. In particular, the invention relates to theproduction of moulded portions of a foodstuff starting from a mass ofthe foodstuff in question, which mass is of substantially pasty, pulpyconsistency. The invention relates in particular to the moulding ofedible products from a mass which predominantly comprises pounded meat,in particular chicken or other poultry meat, but also beef, pork, etc.The invention also relates to the moulding of products from fish, dough,etc.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] With regard to the processing of poultry meat, the invention isbased on the recognition that the processing of poultry produceslow-quality meat, for example meat which has been mechanically removedfrom the bone and meat trimmings, which can be given a higher addedvalue by being upgraded. Also, there is an increasing consumer demandfor “moulded meat products”, for example for snacks, and for meatproducts with an attractive appearance. In these sectors, demand maychange quickly, so that it must be possible to adapt the productionmethod according to the invention quickly to meet demand. Furthermore,it is observed that the demand for moulded (meat) products is very high,and consequently it must be possible to achieve a high productioncapacity.

[0004] Various methods and moulding machines are known for mouldingproducts from a (meat) mass, and a number of these methods and mouldingmachines will be described briefly below.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,987,643 has described a moulding machine of the“slide-plate” type, for the purpose of producing portions of hamburgermeat. A machine of this nature has a substantially planar moulding platecontaining a plurality of mould cavities for the meat mass. The mouldingplate can be moved to and fro substantially in its horizontal plane forthe purpose of displacing the mould cavities between a filling position,in which the mould cavities are filled with meat mass which has beenplaced under pressure by a meat pump, and a removal position, in whichthe moulded meat products are removed from the mould cavity. Thecapacity of a slide-plate machine of this nature is limited inparticular by the rate at which the mould plate can be moved to and fro;it is necessary for the mould plate of the known machine to come to astandstill at the filling and removal positions. The speed of movementof the mould plate is limited by the inertia forces which are generatedby the heavy mould plate which is moving to and fro and the componentswhich are connected thereto. The reciprocating movement is partlylimited by the fact that the mass which is introduced into the mouldcavity under a filling pressure has to remain in the closed mould cavityfor a certain period in order to obtain the desired cohesion or adhesionof the pieces of meat. The design of these known moulding machines ofthe slide-plate type has proven unsuitable or, at any rate,disadvantageous for further increasing the production capacity, whichwould be desirable in view of the increasing demand for moulded meatproducts.

[0006] Another known type of moulding machine for meat products and thelike is the “turret-type”, an example of which is described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,193,167. In this type of moulding machine, the mould cavities arearranged on a horizontal rotating wheel which can be rotated about avertical axle. The mould cavities have an opening on the underside ofthe rotary wheel, so that the mould cavities extend parallel to the axisof rotation of the rotary wheel. Opposite the opening of the mouldcavity, this known moulding machine has a mechanically displaceablebase, the movement of the base being derived, via a cam-disc mechanism,from the rotation of the rotary wheel. The operation of the associatedfilling device is synchronized with respect to the rotation of therotary wheel. In this known moulding machine, the large number of andinteraction between the moving components again limits the extent towhich the capacity can be increased. Particularly when removing themoulded products, the adhesion of the meat mass to the side wall and thebase of the mould cavity represents a problem for operating with successat high speed. The way in which the mould cavities are filled in thisknown machine also limits the production capacity.

[0007] Another type of moulding machine for moulding three-dimensionalproducts from a meat mass or the like is the “rotating drum type”. Knownmoulding machines of this type have a rotatable drum which is driven incontinuous rotation by an associated drive, with a plurality of mouldcavities on the outside of the drum, which cavities, in a fillingposition, move past a filling component which is arranged along theoutside of the drum and by means of which the mould cavities are filledwith (meat) mass. In a removal position, which is located further on inthe direction of rotation of the drum, the moulded meat products aredriven out of the mould cavities. In this type of machine, the mouldcavities are located transversely with respect to the axis of rotationof the drum.

[0008] Examples of known moulding machines of the “rotating drum type”are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,504,639, 3,851,355, 4,212,609, GB2,259,043, FR 2,491,734 and FR 2,538223. The development of the mouldingmachine of this “rotating drum type” is currently not sufficientlyadvanced for achieving the production capacity required both currentlyand in the future, and consequently the abovementioned slide-platemoulding machines have the highest capacity and are used for massproduction.

[0009] In the following text, it is assumed that a filling pressure isexerted on the (meat) mass which is to be introduced into the mouldcavity in order to fill the mould cavity with a portion of the mass.Therefore, the filling pressure is the pressure which is exerted on the(meat) mass while the mould cavity is being filled.

[0010] In order to ensure that the (meat) pieces of which the massconsists adhere to one another, thus producing a dimensionally stableproduct, after the mould cavity has been filled with the (meat) mass,the mass has to be subjected to a fixing pressure for a fixing periodwhich takes place at some point between the time at which the mouldcavity is filled and the time at which the moulded product is removedand during which period the portion of the mass is enclosed in the mouldcavity. After the fixing period, an edible product which forms acohesive unit in a three-dimensional shape is obtained, which productcan then be removed from the mould cavity.

[0011] In known moulding machines, such as for example the mouldingmachine which is described in EP 0,447,003, a portion of the mass ispressed into the open mould cavity by the filling component under afilling pressure. Then, the mould cavity is closed by the fact that themoulding plate with its mould-cavity opening slides away from under theopening of the filling component and moves under a closed top plate.Inevitable leakage from the mould cavity and/or relaxation of the massin the mould cavity indicates that the pressure of the mass in the mouldcavity falls slightly after the cavity has been closed. In the contextof the present application, the pressure which then prevails in theclosed mould cavity is regarded as being the fixing pressure. Thisfixing pressure remains present during the displacement of the mouldplate until the mould cavity reaches the opening in the bottom plate,with the result that the mould cavity is opened to atmosphere. In thisknown moulding machine, the fixing pressure is therefore directly andexclusively related to the filling pressure, and it is impossible tocontrol the fixing pressure independently of the filling pressure. Also,the duration of the filling period and the fixing period cannot beinfluenced independently of one another, since they are both determinedby the displacement speed of the moulding plate of the moulding machine.A final drawback is that as soon as the opening in the bottom plate isreached, the mass in the mould cavity, which is still under pressure,immediately seeks to escape from the opening which is increasing insize, and this has an adverse effect on the shape of the product.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] One object of the invention is to provide measures which lead toa treatment of the mass when producing the edible products which istechnologically optimum with regard to the (meat) mass which is to beprocessed.

[0013] A particular object of the invention is to provide measures whichmake it possible to control the fixing pressure largely, or preferablycompletely, independently of the filling pressure. As has been stated,the fixing pressure is one of the principal parameters of the mouldingprocess. By providing devices which allow the fixing pressure to becontrolled in this way, it is possible to optimally adapt the operationof each of the said devices to the (meat) mass which is to be processedby the device in question. Thus, there will be an optimum formula foreach mass which is to be processed in order to mould products therefrom,and the perimeters of the formula will in principle comprise the time,the pressure and generally also the temperature. In known mouldingmethods, additives are often added to the edible mass which is to beprocessed in order in this way to allow the moulding process to proceedas desired, but this increases the cost price, and furthermore suchadditions are often deprecated by the consumer. For example, if anexcessively high (filling and/or fixing) pressure is used or if apressure is maintained on a (meat) mass for an excessively long period,there is a risk of fat and/or moisture being pressed out and/or of thecomponents which form the mass becoming segregated. Furthermore, highpressures on the edible mass lead to design problems in the devices,such as at the seal which is required for the filling component.

[0014] It should be noted that the operation of filling the mouldcavities, in particular the time involved in filling the mould cavities,is largely dependent on the filling pressure exerted on the mass.Independence of the filling pressure and fixing pressure allows thefilling and moulding process to be set up optimally, partly with a viewto achieving a high capacity of the device.

[0015] Furthermore, the methods and devices according to the inventionmake it possible to process numerous different masses, with the emphasisfalling on the processing of meat masses.

[0016] A further object of the invention is to minimize the fillingpressure. For example, in the method provided according to theinvention, the filling pressure in the case of pounded meat is between0.2 and 5 bar, and the fixing pressure is between 1 and 15 bar.

[0017] A further object of the invention is to provide measures whichmake it possible to reduce the mechanical load on the (meat) mass when amould cavity is being filled compared to that which is employed in knownmoulding machines. This mechanical load is caused in particular by thefilling pressure and by shear forces which are exerted on the meat mass,for example, when a stripper moves past the opening of the filled mouldcavity. Excessive load on the meat mass damages the structure of themeat and therefore reduces the quality of the product. Furthermore, theshear forces exerted when a stripper of the like moves past may cause anundesirable change in the texture of the product.

[0018] A further object of the invention is to propose measures whichmake it possible to produce three-dimensionally moulded foodstuffs forhuman consumption with a high capacity. A particular object of theinvention is to allow the moulding of the products to take place as faras possible in a continuous process, in which the mould cavities movealong their path at a substantially constant speed and the filling andemptying of the mould cavities take place as far as possible on acontinuous basis. A particular object of the invention is for themoulded products to be removed from the mould cavities without usingmechanical ejectors, or with only minimal use of such ejectors.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide solutions forcontrolling the influence of the viscosity and other relevant propertiesof the (meat) mass which is to be fed to the mould cavities on themoulding of the product in the mould cavity. In particular, theinvention provides for the preparation of the (meat) mass supplied in acontinuous process, during which the (meat) mass can, for example, becooled or heated and additives, such as water, spices, colorants andflavourings, egg whites, can be added.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to propose measures which makeit possible to arrange differently shaped mould cavities on a mouldingmachine in a simple manner and in a short time, preferably withouthaving to adapt the filling and/or removal system of the mouldingmachine. The invention also aims to make it possible to produce productsof different shapes at the same time using a single moulding machine.

[0021] A further object of the invention is to propose measures whichensure a high level of hygiene during moulding of the products.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to propose measures forproducing foodstuffs with a product body which is composed of aplurality of parts. This description encompasses, inter alia, layeredproducts, products with an internal filling, etc.

[0023] A further object of the invention is to provide measures whichallow the outside of the products to be treated, for example by thearrangement of a ribbed or grid pattern.

[0024] The invention also aims to provide a compact device.

[0025] A further object of the invention is to provide measures whichallow the moulded products to be packaged efficiently.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The invention provides an improved method for mouldingthree-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitablefor human consumption, comprising the steps of:

[0027] filling a mould cavity with a portion of the mass via a fillingopening which is associated with the mould cavity, under the influenceof a filling pressure which is exerted on the mass and for a fillingperiod,

[0028] closing the filling opening of the mould cavity,

[0029] holding the mass in the closed mould cavity for a fixing period,

[0030] opening the mould cavity and removing the moulded product.

[0031] The improvement comprises the use of fixing-pressure-exertingmeans, which are designed to exert a fixing pressure which acts on themass in the mould cavity after the filled mould cavity has been closed.

[0032] The invention furthermore provides devices for carrying out themethod and other devices for moulding three dimensional products from amass of foodstuff.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033]FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic cross section through a firstexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0034]FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic cross section through a secondexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0035]FIG. 3 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a third exemplaryembodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0036]FIG. 4 shows a diagrammatic cross section through a fourthexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0037]FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic cross section through a fifthexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0038]FIG. 6 shows a diagrammatic cross section through a sixthexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0039]FIG. 7 shows a diagrammatic cross section through a seventhexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0040]FIG. 8 shows a diagrammatic cross section through an eighthexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0041]FIGS. 8a-g show examples illustrating the filling pressure and thefixing pressure in possible embodiments of the method according to theinvention,

[0042]FIG. 9 shows a diagrammatic cross section through a ninthexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0043]FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic cross section through a tenthexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0044]FIG. 11 shows a diagrammatic cross section through an exemplaryembodiment of a mould according to the invention,

[0045]FIGS. 12a, 12 b and 12 c show diagrammatic cross sections throughfurther exemplary embodiment of moulds according to the invention,

[0046]FIG. 13 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a moulding deviceof the rotating drum type, possibly in accordance with one of FIGS.4-10, in combination with an exemplary embodiment of the feed means forthe mass,

[0047]FIG. 14 shows a variant on the design shown in FIG. 13.

[0048]FIG. 15a shows a diagrammatic, vertical section through aneleventh exemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to theinvention,

[0049]FIG. 15b shows a diagrammatic cross section through a twelfthexemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to the invention,

[0050]FIGS. 16a and 16 b show diagrammatic cross sections through athirteenth exemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to theinvention,

[0051]FIGS. 17a-h show diagrammatic cross sections, in variouspositions, through the moulding device shown in FIGS. 16a and 16 b, and

[0052]FIGS. 18a and 18 b show diagrammatic perspective views of afourteenth exemplary embodiment of a moulding device according to theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053]FIG. 1 shows a first exemplary embodiment of a moulding device 100according to the invention for producing edible products ofthree-dimensional shape from an inherently shapeless mass of foodstuffwhich is suitable for human consumption, in particular a mass of pounded(chicken) meat. The moulding device 100 is of the “rotating drum” typeand comprises a rotatable drum 102 which, in an immobile frame (notshown), is mounted in such a manner that it can rotate about an axis ofrotation 103, which in this example is substantially horizontal. Thedrum 102 is driven at a substantially constant rotational speed in adirection of rotation indicated by arrow A by drive means (not shown).

[0054] The drum 102 is provided with a plurality of mould cavities 104which are distributed over the outer circumference and form openingswhich run all the way through the drum wall 102 and are thus open onboth the outer circumference and the inner circumference of the drum102.

[0055] In order to feed meat mass to the mould cavities 104, an immobilemass-feed or filling component 105 which bears against the innercircumference of the drum 102 is arranged at a mass-feed or fillingposition. The filling component 105 in this case comprises a connectionpiece 106 for an extruder or some other form of pumping/mixing devicefor supplying a pounded (meat) mass under pressure to a chamber 107which is delimited by walls and has an opening along the inside of thedrum 102. The walls of the chamber 107, at their edges which adjoin thedrum 102, are provided with suitable sealing means 108, thus preventingmeat mass from leaking out of the chamber 107.

[0056] It can also be seen in FIG. 1 that at least at the location ofthe filling component 105 the openings of the mould cavities 104 are notclosed off on the outside of the drum 2. As a result, meat mass which isalready present in the mould cavities 104 is pushed outwards, so that anoutwardly projecting column of meat mass with a cross section whichsubstantially corresponds to the cross section of the mould cavity 104is formed at each mould cavity 104. Separating means, which separate aslice from the projecting column, preferably along the surface of thedrum 102, are active at a removal position in the vicinity of theunderside of the drum 102, above a moving belt 109 or some otherconveyor mechanism for discharging the moulded products. In thisexample, a taut cutting wire 110 is arranged in a stationary positionalong the underside of the drum 102, which wire cuts off the mouldedproduct “p”, which then falls onto the belt 109. When this takes place,meat mass remains behind in the mould cavity 104, which meat mass is cutoff when it moves past the cutting wire 110 one or more times. In avariant, there may be provision for the separating means to comprise anactuable separating component arranged on the outside of the drum 102for each mould cavity 104, in order to cut off the outwardly projectingcolumn of meat. This is diagrammatically indicated at 111 in FIG. 1.

[0057] Furthermore, there may be provision for one or more stations 112to be arranged along the outside of the drum 102 for the purpose oftreating the outer surface of the meat mass which is present in themould cavities 104, for example for applying an additive to the saidsurface, for example breadcrumbs, a colorant or flavouring, etc. Thisoperation could also, for example, involve applying a certain pattern tothe meat mass.

[0058] There may also be provision for one or more stations 113 to bearranged in the interior of the hollow drum 102 for the purpose oftreating the inner surface of the meat mass which is present in themould cavities 104, for example for applying a layer which prevents orreduces adhesion to the meat mass which is subsequently to be placedinto the mould cavity 104, so that the product “p” may come free fromthe meat mass which remains behind in the mould cavity at the removalposition without the use of separating means. By way of example, abreadcrumb material could applied for this purpose.

[0059]FIG. 2 shows a variant on FIG. 1, and components which correspondto the components shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same referencenumerals; for a description of how they operate, reference is made tothe preceding text.

[0060] In FIG. 2, there is provision for a fixing pressure to be exertedon the meat in the mould cavities 104, and this is achieved by closingthe mould cavities on one side by means of a closure component 114,which in this case bears against the outer circumference of the drum102, and exerting a controllable fixing pressure on the meat mass in themould cavity from the other side.

[0061] In this example, the chamber 107 of the filling component 105 isdivided into two chambers 107 a, 107 b, each with an associatedconnection piece 106 a, 106 b, for example for an extruder belonging toeach of the connections. The closure member 114 is arranged opposite thechamber 107 a, on the outside so that a fixing pressure which providesthe meat material with the desired cohesion can be generated in thechamber 107 a. Then, in the chamber 107 b, where the meat is subjectedto a filling pressure which is lower than the fixing pressure, furthermeat material is pressed into the mould cavity 104, which is then openagain on the outside. Given a suitable arrangement, only meat materialwhich has been subjected to the fixing pressure and compressed is thenseparated at the separating position.

[0062] It will be clear that the closure member 114 may, as analternative to the stationary plate shown here, also be a moving belt,as will be described below, and may also bear against a larger part ofthe drum, the same also applying to the chamber 107 a. If appropriate,masses of different composition may be fed to the chambers 107 a and 107b, resulting in a layered structure of the product p.

[0063]FIG. 3 shows a moulding device 120 with a drum 122 which canrotate about a substantially horizontal axis and is driven in thedirection of arrow B by drive means (not shown). A filling component 125with a wall which, together with the inner wall of the drum 122,delimits a chamber 127 to which a (meat) mass is fed in a manner notindicated, for example by means of an extruder, is located in astationary position in the drum 122. The drum 122 is provided withcontinuous passages 124 which are distributed over the circumference andextend through the wall of the drum 122. A slideable moulding component128 is arranged on the outside of the drum 122 for each passage 124.Each slideable moulding component 128 has a mould holder 129 which isarranged on the drum 122 and contains an opening for a sliding mould 130which can be slid to and fro. In the retracted position of a mould 130,(meat) mass can be introduced into the mould 130 via the associatedpassage 124 when it moves past the filling component 125. Then, themould 130 can be slid out of the associated holder 129, an operationwhich in this case is carried out by means of curved track 131, againstwhich the moulds 130 bear under springloading or the like.

[0064] When the mould 130 has been sufficiently extended in the removalposition at the bottom of the drum 122, the moulded product p falls outof the mould 130 onto the discharge belt 133. If appropriate, removal ofthe product p from the mould 130 can be assisted by means of compressedair or some other ejector means.

[0065] It will be clear that the filling component 125 may also bepositioned along the outer circumference of the drum 122, with thesliding moulds 128 on the inside of the drum 122.

[0066]FIG. 4 shows a fourth exemplary embodiment of a moulding device 1according to the invention for moulding three-dimensional products froma mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption, inparticular a mass which predominantly consists of pounded (chicken)meat. The moulding device 1 is of the “rotating drum” type and comprisesa rotatable drum 2 which, in a stationary frame (not shown), is mountedin such a manner that it can rotate about an axis of rotation 3, whichin this case is substantially horizontal. The drum 2 is driven,preferably at a substantially constant rotational speed, in a directionof rotation which is indicated by arrow A, by drive means (not shown).

[0067] The drum 2 has a substantially cylindrical drum wall with adiameter which is, for example, between 0.15 and 0.7 meter and a lengthwhich is, for example, between 0.3 and 2 meters. The considerable lengthof a drum 2 of this nature is possible in particular because of thetubular shape of the drum 2, which tubular shape is very stable withrespect to the forces which are generated during the moulding process.These forces, which are generated in particular by the filling pressurewith which the mass is pressed into the mould cavities and the fixingpressure, in principal cause the drum 2 to bend, which causes problemsin particular for seals which bear against the inside and/or outside.

[0068] Preferably, the drum 2 is formed from a metal tube which iscommercially available as standard, but it will be clear that the drum 2may also be assembled from sections or, for example, from a specialcasting. The drum may also be provided with internal reinforcements, forexample reinforcement plates which are located at axial distances fromone another.

[0069] The drum 2 may also be formed by a plurality of tubes which slideinto one another, which structure is advantageous for the arrangement ofconnecting passages, in particular for compressed air and/or vacuum,which lead to the mould cavities 4. These passages could then bearranged substantially as grooves in the walls of the said tubes.

[0070] The bending can be reduced by providing the drum 2 withprestressing means which generate an axial prestress in the drum walland thus reduce any bending. The bending can also be reduced by makinguse of one or more robust support rollers which bear against the drumwall, for example in the interior of the drum opposite the fillingdevice 5, in order in this way to absorb the forces which the fillingpressure exerts on the drum 2.

[0071] The drum 2 is provided with a plurality of mould cavities 4 whichare distributed over the outer circumference and are open on the outercircumference of the drum 2. By way of example, the mould cavities 4 arearranged in a pattern with a plurality of circumferential rings, locatednext to one another in the longitudinal direction of the drum 2, ofsimilar mould cavities. There may also be provision for the mouldcavities in each ring to be distributed at equal angular intervalsaround the circumference of the drum, in which case the mould cavitiesof adjacent rings are always offset in the circumferential direction.Such an arrangement of the mould cavities leads to mould cavities beingfilled virtually continuously, instead of groups of mould cavities beingfilled simultaneously, with a time gap between filling operations. Thismanner of continuous filling, particularly with a continuous supply ofmass to the filling component, for example by an extruder, leads to auniform filling pressure. This arrangement will also deliver acontinuous stream of moulded products.

[0072] obviously, it is also conceivable for mould cavities 4 ofdifferent shapes to be arranged on the drum 2. In this case, the mouldcavities may be of any conceivable form, for example circular orrectangular, but also in novelty shapes, such as in the shape of aChristmas tree, a crescent, a star, a triangle, etc. In an advantageousembodiment, one orkmould cavities may form part of a removable mouldwhich can be releasably attached to the drum. This may, for example, beachieved by providing the drum 2 with a large number of identicalholding features around its outer circumference, for example openingsarranged in the drum wall and/or coupling means positioned on the outercircumference, a mould fitting into each holding facility, in which casea large number of moulds belong to the moulding machine and areidentical insofar as they can be positioned on the drum by means of theholding facilities, but have mould cavities of different designs.

[0073] If different mould cavities 4 are arranged on the drum 2, it ispossible, by selecting a suitable arrangement of the said mould cavities4, to ensure that the differently shaped products do not have to behandled, or scarcely have to be handled, during subsequent processing.For example, it is conceivable to produce sets of three products ofdifferent shapes and to supply these sets in a single pack. In thiscase, it may be advantageous for the three different mould cavities tobe arranged next to or immediately after one another on the drum, sothat the products are delivered by the moulding device in sets of three.

[0074] As an alternative to the drum, it is also possible, albeit with ahigher level of technical complexity, to provide for the moulds, eachwith one or more mould cavities therein, to be arranged on a commonturret which defines a loop-like movement path for the moulds, in whichcase drive means are provided, which move the moulds along the movementpath. Preferably, in this case, the drive means move the moulds at asubstantially constant speed along the movement path. The loop-likemovement path may in this case be a circle, as with the drum, but otherforms are also easy to achieve in practice, such as for example a pathwith two straight sections which are connected at their ends via 180°bends.

[0075] To feed a portion of meat mass to the mould cavities 4, astationary mass-feed or filling component 5, which bears against theouter circumference of the drum 2, is arranged in a mass-feed or fillingposition, in this case in the vicinity of the top side of the drum 2.The filling component 5 in this case comprises a connection piece 6 foran extruder or some other form of pump device for supplying the meatmass under pressure to a chamber 7 which is delimited by walls and hasan opening on the side of the drum 2. At their edges which adjoin thedrum 2, the walls of the chamber 7 are provided with suitable sealingmeans 8, making it possible to prevent meat mass from leaking out of thechamber 7. The filling component 5 shown is in fact intended tocompletely fill the mould cavity. In another embodiment (not shown), thefilling component may also be designed to feed a predetermined portionto the mould cavity, for example on the basis of the volume and/or massof the portion, the volume of which portion may therefore be smallerthan the volume available in the mould cavity. For example, a fillingcomponent of this nature moves a slice or other preformed shape of thefoodstuff which is to be processed into the mould cavity.

[0076] It can also be seen from FIG. 4 that the moulded products “p” areremoved from the mould cavities 4 at a removal position, in this case inthe vicinity of the underside of the drum 2, above a conveyor belt 9 orother conveyor mechanism for discharging the moulded products. Thisejection may be effected by the force of gravity, as illustrated in FIG.4, but owing to the adhesion of the meat mass to the walls of the mouldcavities 4, the removal is preferably facilitated or assisted in wayswhich are to be described in more detail below.

[0077] The filling component 5 ensures that a portion of the meat massis moved into a mould cavity 4 at a defined filling pressure. To obtainfirm cohesion between the pieces of meat, so that ultimately a stableproduct is obtained, it is necessary, after the mould cavity 4 has beenfilled, to exert a fixing pressure on the meat mass for a definedperiod. For this purpose, there is provision for the filling openings,which are located on the outside, of the mould cavities 4 to be closedoff over at least part of the path between the filling component 5 andthe removal position, preferably over virtually the entire path.

[0078] In this case, the mould cavities 4 are closed off with the aid ofa flexible belt 10 which, in the path in question, bears against theouter circumference of the drum 2 and preferably moves with the drum 2.The belt 10 runs around a top roller 11, which is arranged in thevicinity of the filling component 5 or even, with the belt 10 wrappedaround it, forms part of the walls of the chamber 7 of the fillingcomponent 5. In the vicinity of the removal position, the belt 10 runsaround a bottom roller 12 and also runs around a tensioning roller 13which supports the return section of the belt 10. If appropriate, aseparate drive for the belt 10 may be provided. It is also possible toprovide cleaning means which clean the belt 10 in its return section.

[0079] Closing the mould cavities 4 with the aid of the belt 10 bearingagainst the drum 2 ensures that the meat mass in the mould cavities 4 isplaced and held under a fixing pressure, with the result that thedesired cohesion and mutual adhesion of the (meat) pieces is obtained.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the fixing pressure is obtained bythe fact that the convex side of the mass which is produced at thefilling component 5, is, as it were, pressed flat into a mould cavity 4by the belt 10, with the result that the mass is placed and held under afixing pressure in the closed mould cavity 4 throughout the time duringwhich the belt 10 closes off the mould cavity 4.

[0080] The device shown in FIG. 4 also allows the outside of the mouldedproduct to be treated, in particular along the path between the locationwhere the outside is no longer covered by the belt 10 and the moment atwhich the product is ejected. For example, a spraying device could beused to apply a layer to the product. As soon as the product rests onthe discharge belt, the other side could also be treated.

[0081]FIG. 5 shows a fifth exemplary embodiment of a moulding deviceaccording to the invention. Where components correspond to thecomponents shown in an embodiment described above, these components aredenoted by the same reference numerals; reference is made to thepreceding text for a description of how they function.

[0082] In FIG. 5, reference 15 denotes a film-feed mechanism for feedingfilm. This preferably thin, flexible (plastic) film 17 is placed againstthe outside of the drum 2 at a film-placing position 16, which isupstream of the filling component 5, as seen in the direction ofrotation, and serves to ensure that at least the walls and the base ofthe mould cavities 4 are covered by the film 17.

[0083] To ensure that the amount of film 17 present at each mould cavity4 of the device is such that this film 17 is able to bear taut againstthe base and the side wall of the mould cavity 4 when the meat mass isintroduced into the mould cavity 4, vacuum means are provided here,which, between the film-placing position 16 and the filling component 5,remove air from the mould cavity 4 which is covered by film 17. Thevacuum means in this case comprise a tray 18 which is arranged in astationary position in the rotating drum 2 and is formed by a wall whichin part lies at a distance from the inside of the drum and at its edgesbears in a sealed manner against the inside of the drum 2, so that aclosed space which is delimited by the wall of the tray 18 and theinside of the drum 2 is formed. This closed space is connected to avacuum pump or the like, so that a reduced pressure can be generated inthe tray 18. Furthermore, the drum 2 is provided at each mould cavity 4with a connecting passage 19 which connects the mould cavity 4 to theinside of the drum 2, so that at the moment at which a mould cavity 4reaches the tray 18 air is sucked out of the mould cavity 4 via theassociated passage 19, while the opening of the mould cavity is alreadycovered by the film 17 on the outside of the drum 2. Partly because ofthe appropriate flexibility of the film 17, the film 17 matches theshape of the mould cavity 4. In this example, this suction on the film17 is maintained until the filling component 5 fills or has filled themould cavity 4.

[0084] The film 17 prevents the meat mass from sticking to the drum 2,which is particularly relevant for removal of the moulded product andalso prevents contamination to the drum 2. Furthermore, the film 17 canbe used to eject the moulded product from the mould cavity 4, forexample by exerting a pulling force on the film 17 in the vicinity ofthe removal position, an operation which can be achieved, for example,by (temporarily) rapidly rotating a pulling roller 20 against which thefilm 17 bears, thus exerting tension on the film 17.

[0085] If the product p sticks to the film 17, it is preferable to guidethe film 17 through a sharp bend, for example around bar 20 b, so thatthe film 17 moves into a position in which it is approximately at rightangles to the surface of the product and is thus stripped off from thesurface of the product.

[0086] The passages 19 may also be used to eject the moulded product byintroducing compressed air into the mould cavity 4 beneath the film 17via the said passages 19 at the removal position. This may be effectedusing excess-pressure tray 22, which is positioned in the drum 2 in thevicinity of the removal position. The tray 22 is arranged in astationary position and bears in a sealed manner against the inside ofthe drum 2, and is connected to a compressor (not shown) for feedingpressurized air (or another gas) to the tray 22, with the result thatthe product and the film 17 are pressed out of the mould cavity 4. Ifappropriate, there may be provision for the tray 22, as seen in thedirection of rotation of the drum 2, to be divided into a plurality ofcompartments 22 a, 22 b by means of one or more partitions 21, in whichcase the gas pressure can be adjusted separately in each compartment 22a, 22 b. This makes it possible to successfully control the ejection ofthe moulded product. Incidentally, the same measure may also be used forthe reduced-pressure or suction tray 18.

[0087] In a variant which is not shown, there may be provision for amedium to be pressurized in the mould cavities 4 via the passages 19 inthe path in which the mould cavities 4 are closed off on the outside bythe belt 10. This may, for example, be achieved by arranging anexcessive-pressure tray, corresponding to tray 22, which is divided intoone or more compartments at that location but on the inside of the drum2. Then, by suitably regulating the pressure of the medium, it ispossible to control the fixing pressure in the mould cavities 4. Themould cavities 4 may, for example, be designed in the manner which willbe explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 11, 12a and 12b.

[0088] The film 17 is, for example, disposable and is guided onto a reeland wound up after it has run around the drum, after which a reel ofused, dirty film is removed and destroyed. However, the film 17 couldalso be used for packaging the product.

[0089]FIG. 5 also shows a station 25 which is arranged along the outsideof the drum 2, between the film-placing position 16 and the fillingcomponent 5. The station 25 may, for example, be used to apply a coatingor the like to the film 17. This coating may be in a wide variety offorms, for example may be a liquid substance which influences theadhesion between the meat and the film 17, or an edible coating which isintended to influence the appearance of the outer layer of the mouldedproduct, for example a coating containing breadcrumbs and an egg-whiteemulsion, a colorant or flavouring etc. The station 25 may compriseliquid sprayers and/or atomizers, which only operate when a mould cavity4 covered by film 17 moves past, and/or a fan or other blowing devicefor blowing more or less solid edible particles, for example edibleflakes, onto the film, which may previously have been moistened.

[0090] In a variant on the device 1 described above, the reducedpressure acting on the film 17 is eliminated after it has been suckedunder vacuum into the mould cavity 4, before the filling device 5 isreached, so that the film 17 is again approximately in the plane of theopening of the mould cavity 4. The aim of this is to ensure that themeat mass bears against the film 17 without the inclusion of air in thevicinity of the filling device 5 and moves into the mould cavity 4together with the film, during which operation, if appropriate, reducedpressure is again exerted via passage 19. This procedure can be achievedby providing the tray 18 with the partitions 18 a, 18 b as shown in FIG.5.

[0091] It should be noted that the step of firstly sucking the film 17into the mould cavity 4 before the filling device 5 is reached isimportant in order to ensure that sufficient film material collects atthe location of the mould cavity 4. If the film 17 were to be in a tautposition above the opening of the mould cavity 4 when the mould cavityis being filled, it is impossible, or virtually impossible, to feed filmmaterial when the meat mass is pressed into the mould cavity 4, so thata very high level of elasticity of the film 17 would be necessary incertain areas, in particular around the edge of the mould cavity 4.

[0092] To avoid air being enclosed between the film 17 and the meatmass, use could also be made of steam or another condensable gas. Inthat case, a steam tray, for example, would be placed against theoutside of the drum, immediately upstream of the filling component 5.Consequently, steam will be included between the film and the meat mass,but this steam will rapidly condense to form a minimal quantity ofwater.

[0093] As an alternative, it is possible for the belt 9 to be coveredwith a film which moves with it and onto which the products fall. Thisfilm could then, for example, form part of the packaging for theproducts.

[0094]FIG. 6 shows a variant on the device shown in FIG. 5, in which theprincipal change is that the device is positioned upside-down.Consequently, the filling component 5 is now located in the vicinity ofthe underside of the drum 2. A second web of film 17 b is fed to the topside and is guided over the drum 2, so that the moulded products, whichare still enclosed in the mould cavities 4, are enclosed between the twofilms 17 and 17 b.

[0095] In this example, a film-welding device 23 is also arranged in thevicinity of the top side of the drum 2, which film-welding device weldsthe two layers of film 17, 17 b together, for example around each cavity4, so that the product is packaged in film while it is still inside themould cavity. If appropriate, the film layers 17, 17 b are cut or meltedthrough around the outside of the weld, so that the product enclosed infilm is detached from the two layers of film. The product which ispackaged in film is then discharged by means of the excess-pressure tray22 or some other removal mechanism. Obviously, it is conceivable thatthe product will be enclosed between the two film webs 17, 17 b only ata later stage, after the products lying on the film 17 have been removedfrom the mould cavities 4 of the device. The separation of the productswhich are packaged in film from the film webs may also take place at alater stage, so that the film webs can still be used as a mechanism forconveying the packaged products. One advantage of the device shown inFIG. 6 is the height at which the products are removed, which makes iteasy to provide connection to subsequent stations.

[0096]FIG. 7 shows a seventh exemplary embodiment of a moulding deviceaccording to the invention. Where components correspond to thecomponents shown in an embodiment which has been described above, thesecomponents are denoted by the same reference numerals; reference is madeto the preceding text for an explanation of how they function.

[0097] In FIG. 7, there is provision for a film 30 to be placed betweenthe belt 10 and the drum 2, which film 30 moves with the drum 2 and thebelt 10. This measure allows the film 30 and the belt 10 each to havedifferent properties which are adapted to their specific tasks. Inparticular, the film 30 in this case serves as a protection forprotecting the belt 10 from the (meat) mass in the mould cavities 4, sothat the belt 10 does not come into contact with the (meat) mass and istherefore not contaminated and also does not have to be cleaned.

[0098] In this example, the film 30 is intended for single use and issupplied from a supply reel 31 and then runs around the top deflectorroller 11 of the belt 10 via guide roller 32. In this example, the film30 also runs around the bottom deflector roller 12 of the belt 10 and isthen separated from the return section of the belt 10 via guide roller33 and is wound onto a discharge reel 34. However, it is also possiblefor the film 30 to remain in position against the products when themoulded products are ejected and to be used to discharge the products,and if appropriate even for handling the moulded products in furtherprocessing devices and/or for packaging the products.

[0099] For example, it is possible for the conveyor 9 to be providedwith openings in its belt and for a reduced-pressure tray 35 to bepositioned beneath the belt 9 in the vicinity of the ejection positionof the products, so that the film 30 can be sucked onto the belt 9 andcan be moved with the belt 9. In this case, the products continue to lieon the film 30. This has the advantages that the conveyor 9 is notcontaminated, that the moulded product is supported when it is ejectedfrom the drum, and that the position of the product on the film 30 isfixed, which may be advantageous for any subsequent processingoperations.

[0100] In a variant which is not shown, the film 30 is also designed asan endless loop, i.e. in the same way as the belt 10, in which case, forexample, there is provision for the film 30 to be cleaned. Incidentally,in these illustrations, the film is always shown and described as beingconsiderably thinner than the belt, although it is equally conceivablefor the components described as film and belt to be of similarthickness.

[0101]FIG. 7 also shows the station 25 with which, for example, themould cavities 4 can be cleaned before they are refilled. Ifappropriate, a non-stick agent may also be arranged in the mouldcavities 4, or some other means may be provided, such as thatillustrated in FIG. 5. Obviously, the devices shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7can also be combined to form a single device, in which the portions ofmeat mass in the mould cavity 4 are completely surrounded by the twofilms 17 and 30.

[0102] In a further variant, the discharge belt 9 with the tray 35 bearsagainst the drum 2 and the belt 9 is moved at the same speed. As aresult, the product is, as it were, sucked firmly onto the belt 9 whileit is still in the mould cavity 4, and then the product is graduallyremoved from the mould cavity.

[0103]FIG. 8 shows an eighth exemplary embodiment of a moulding deviceaccording to the invention. Where components correspond to thecomponents shown in an embodiment which has been described above, thesecomponents are denoted by the same reference numerals; reference is madeto the preceding text for a description of how they function.

[0104] In FIG. 8, instead of the disposable film 17 as described withreference to FIG. 5, a belt 40 of elastically deformable (plastic)material is used, which belt bears against the outer circumference ofthe drum 2 from a placing position 41 upstream of the filling component5 to the area of the removal position of the products, on the undersideof the drum 2. The belt 40 is used, inter alia, to cover the base andthe side walls of the cavities 4, so that these parts do not come intodirect contact with the (meat) mass.

[0105] To enable the belt 40 to be moved into the mould cavities 4, thereduced-pressure tray 18 is again provided, as are the associatedconnecting passages 19 in the drum wall leading to the mould cavities 4.By applying reduced pressure, the belt 40 can thus be deformed so thatit bears against the delimiting walls of the mould cavities 4.

[0106] Preferably, the belt 40 is of an elastic quality which is suchthat it restores its shape, i.e. the belt 40 is preferably designed insuch a way that it returns to its original planar form when no externalforce, such as the vacuum, is being exerted thereon; this can be clearlyseen in FIG. 8.

[0107] Preferably, the belt 40 is cleaned in the section in which thisbelt 40 is clear of the drum 2.

[0108] Due to the shape-restoring properties of the belt 40, it ispreferable for the reduced pressure generated by the tray 18 also to actwhile the mould cavities 4 are being filled. The shape-restoringproperty of the belt 40 can also be utilized when the shaped product isbeing removed from the mould cavity 4, if appropriate with theassistance of a tensile force being exerted on the belt 40, which forcepulls the belt 40 back into a flat state in this position. Furthermorethe removal of the product from the mould cavity 4 can be assisted bypressing air between the belt 40 and the drum 2 via excess-pressure tray22.

[0109] The belt 40 can also be used to control the fixing pressure inthe mould cavities 4 in the path between the filling component 5 and theejection position. For example, the reduced pressure between the belt 40and the drum 2 can be partially or completely eliminated in that path;it is even possible to produce an excess pressure, for example by meansof the tray 43, which is of similar design to the trays 18 and 22 andmay be divided into a plurality of compartments with separatelyadjustable pressures by means of partitions.

[0110] As an alternative to the trays 18, 22 and 43 shown in FIG. 8, itis also possible for the connecting passages 19 which lead to the mouldcavities 4 and connect these mould cavities 4 to an excess-pressuresource or a reduced-pressure source or atmosphere as desired to bedesigned in a different way. By way of example, these connectingpassages 19 may be coupled via rotatable couplings to excess-pressureand/or reduced-pressure pipes or vent pipes which are positioned on theaxis of rotation of the drum 2. The connecting passages 19 could alsolead, in or along the drum wall, to one or both ends of the drum, wherethey could be connected to stationary lines leading to theabovementioned sources or to atmosphere, as is known, for example, fromU.S. Pat. No. 4,212,609.

[0111] It will be clear that a combination of the devices shown in FIGS.8 and 7 is possible, as is a combination of the devices shown in FIGS. 8and 5, thus preventing contamination of the belt 40.

[0112] At the location of the ejector tray 22, the discharge belt 9 runspast the drum 2 at a short distance therefrom, so that the product comesinto contact with the belt 9 while it is still largely inside the mouldcavity 4. In this case, the belt 9 is driven at the same speed as thedrum 2. The downstream section of the belt 40 gradually runs away fromthe discharge belt 9, so that the product p is released from the belt 40and stands on the belt 9. At the end of this section of belt 40 there isa roller 50 of small diameter, so that the belt 40 runs through an acuteangle and is thus pulled off the product p.

[0113] Depending on the composition of the mass which is to be moulded,it will also be possible to use the device shown in FIG. 8 without thepresence of the belt 40 or a film with similar function, as explainedwith reference to FIG. 5. In order, in such a case, to make it possibleto realise the fixing pressure by means of gas pressure and/or to ejectthe moulded product, it is possible to provide for the base of the mouldcavity to be covered with a “sealed” layer by means of a suitable feedapparatus upstream of the filling component. This layer could, forexample, be a disc of solid material, for example paper or an ediblematerial such as a pastry product, but could also, for example, comprisea liquid which sets, for example fat, which is then introduced into themould cavity and solidifies to form an impenetrable layer. Thus, thislayer in fact functions as a “plunger” in the mould cavity.

[0114] When ejecting the product from the mould cavity, it may beadvantageous to cool the product on the outside, for example by carryingout the ejecting operation using gaseous nitrogen. The cooling leads,inter alia, to shrinkage of the product, and consequently it will oftencome out of the mould cavity more easily.

[0115] The main concept of the invention will now be explained in moredetail with reference to the device shown in FIG. 8, which conceptrelates to the control of the important technological perimetersassociated with the moulding process.

[0116] By means of the filling component 5, a mould cavity 4 iscompletely filled with the (meat) mass which is fed to the fillingcomponent 5, for example via an extruder or a pump. In the process, themass is subjected to a filling pressure, so that the mass flows into themould cavity 4. The mould cavity 4 is preferably filled using a fillingpressure which is uniform over time and is preferably low. Ifappropriate, additional filling-pressure control means may be provided,which seek to keep the pressure in the chamber of the filling componentat a virtually constant level.

[0117] When the mould cavity 4 is full, the mass contained therein isstill subject to the filling pressure, the duration of which isdependent on the speed of the drum 2 and the length of the opening ofthe filling component 5, measured in the circumferential direction. Ifappropriate, this length is adjustable in order to be able to regulatethe filling period.

[0118] After filling, the mould cavity 4 is closed off by means of thebelt 10, which belt 10 extends over part of the circumference of thedrum 2. The combination of the length of that part of the circumferenceand the rotational speed of the drum leads to a maximum duration of thefixing period during which the mould cavities are closed off and afixing pressure can be exerted on the mass contained therein. By thenintroducing pressurized gas or liquid beneath the belt 40 via theconnecting passages 19, the mass which is present in the closed mouldcavities 4 is subjected to a fixing pressure, so that the pieces whichform the mass adhere to one another. In the device shown in FIG. 8, theactual duration of the fixing period may, for example, be set byseparately regulating the feed of gas or liquid to each of thecompartments of the tray 43; thus, it is conceivable, for example, foras yet no pressurized liquid or gas to be fed to that compartment of thetray 43 which is located immediately downstream of the tray 18.

[0119] In a variant which is not shown, the device allows the lengthover which the belt 10 covers the drum to be adjusted, for example bymoving the rollers 12 and 13, so that in this way too it is possible toadjust the duration of the fixing period without having any effect onthe duration of the filling period.

[0120] It will be clear that the device shown can be used to manipulatethe filling pressure and fixing pressure, as well as the duration of thefilling period and of the fixing period, and furthermore also thetransition from the filling period to the fixing period as desired, inorder to obtain an optimum result for the mass which is to be processed.

[0121]FIGS. 8a-d show four possible variants for the filling-pressurecurve over time, and FIGS. 8e-g show three possible variants for theprofile of the fixing pressure over time, it being clear that in theactual process the fixing pressure follows the filling pressure whichhas previously been exerted and in principle any desired combination ispossible. It should be noted that the profiles shown are only examplesand that the process can be adjusted optimally for each mass, forexample on the basis of tests carried out using the mass which is to beprocessed.

[0122] In FIG. 8a, the filling pressure is completely eliminated afterthe mould cavity has been filled; this may, for example, be achieved bybringing the filling opening of the mould cavity into contact with theatmosphere.

[0123] In FIG. 8b, the filling pressure is maintained for a longer timethan in FIG. 8a, for example by extending the distance over which themoving mould cavity is moving past the filling component or by loweringthe speed at which it moves past. The filling pressure then falls toatmospheric pressure.

[0124] In FIG. 8c, the filling pressure is maintained without falling toatmospheric pressure, after which a higher fixing pressure can beexerted on the mass.

[0125] In FIG. 8d, the filling pressure falls slightly at the end of thefilling period, but not to atmospheric pressure.

[0126] In FIG. 8e, the fixing pressure is only maintained for a shortfixing time. In this case, the fixing pressure will usually be higherthan the filling pressure which has previously been exerted.

[0127] In FIG. 8f, the fixing pressure is maintained for a longer time.In this case too, the fixing pressure will usually be higher than thefilling pressure, but since both the duration of the fixing period andthe fixing pressure are parameters, it is also conceivable for thefixing pressure, for example temporarily, to be lower than the fillingpressure.

[0128]FIG. 8g shows how the fixing pressure can be varied during thefixing period, for example can be reduced in steps. To avoid thepossibility of the mass which is still under pressure expanding when themould cavity is opened, directly at the location where the openingforms, it may be advantageous to reduce the fixing pressure in the finalphase of the fixing period to atmospheric pressure or even to below thispressure.

[0129] It will be clear that the fixing pressure may also have anentirely different profile, for example may initially rise and then fallagain.

[0130]FIG. 9 shows a ninth exemplary embodiment of a moulding deviceaccording to the invention. Where components correspond to thecomponents in accordance with an embodiment which has been describedabove, these components are denoted by the same reference numerals;reference is made to the preceding text for an explanation of how theyfunction.

[0131] In FIG. 9, the fixing pressure is regulated in the path betweenthe filling component 5 and the removal position by regulating thepressure with which the belt 10 is pressed against the meat portionsaccommodated in the mould cavities 4. To this end, a controllablepressure, for example an air pressure or a liquid pressure, ispreferably exerted on that side of that part of the belt 10 which bearsagainst the drum 2 which is remote from the drum 2. In this case, thisis achieved by placing a closed tray 51 against the belt on that side,which tray forms a chamber 52, one side of which is delimited by thebelt 10. By connecting the tray 51 to a suitable source of pressurizedmedium, for example an air compressor, the pressure in the space formedby the tray 51 and the belt 10 can be adjusted, and thus the pressurewith which the belt 10 presses against the portions of meat in the mouldcavities 4 can be regulated.

[0132] Obviously, it is conceivable to divide the tray 51, by means ofone or more partitions, into compartments which preferably form pressurecompartments which lie one behind the other in the direction of rotationof the drum 2, so that different fixing pressures can be implemented atdifferent moments during the fixing period of the product.

[0133] It will be clear that the measure in accordance with FIG. 9 canbe combined with preceding exemplary embodiments.

[0134] The belt 10 may be provided with a profile on the outside, insuch a manner that this profile forms a complementary pattern on theoutside of the products, for example a studded, ribbed or grid profile.

[0135] In order to provide the outside of the product with theappearance of having been grilled on a grate, it is also possible toprovide a heated stamp with a suitable pattern along the drum 2, whichstamp is pressed against the products which are still enclosed in themould cavities 4. Obviously, this feature can also be provided in thedevice shown in FIG. 8.

[0136]FIG. 10 shows a tenth exemplary embodiment of a moulding deviceaccording to the invention. Where components correspond to thecomponents shown in an embodiment described above, these components aredenoted by the same reference numerals; reference is made to thepreceding text for an explanation of how they function.

[0137] In FIG. 10, the bases of the mould cavities 4 are designed in theform of a flexible membrane, which in this case is achieved by designingthe mould cavities 4 as openings which run all the way through the wallof the drum 2 and by covering the inside of the drum wall with acylindrical membrane 60. At the filling component 5, an excesshydrostatic pressure is exerted on the inside of the membrane 60, insuch a manner that the membranes 60 yields outwards and projectspartially into the mould cavity 4. In this case, the excess pressure isproduced using an excess-pressure tray 62. The filling component 5 thenintroduces a portion of meat into the mould cavity 4, this portion infact being smaller than the actual volume of the mould cavity.

[0138] After the mould cavities 4 have been filled, i.e. downstream ofthe filling component 5, the excess pressure on the inside of themembrane 60 is eliminated and, if appropriate, a reduced pressure isgenerated using reduced-pressure tray 63. As a result, the base of themould cavity 4 moves inwards. This inwardly directed movement of thebase of the mould cavity 4 is intended to compensate for the expansionof the portion of meat, which expansion occurs as soon as pressure is nolonger being exerted on the portion of meat on the outside of the drum2. The elasticity of the meat mass, which is partially caused by the airwhich is present in the meat mass, would otherwise lead to the meatmoving out of the mould cavity 4 on the outside and forming a “head”which projects outside the circumference of the drum 2. By moving thebase inwards, this expansion is able to take place without the said headbeing formed, and it is possible that a hollow may even form in theoutside of the portion of meat in the mould cavity 4. The absence of thehead prevents the said head from being spread out as a result of cominginto contact with the belt 10, which would result in the loss of meatmaterial and rapid contamination of the moulding machine. Ifappropriate, the base of the mould cavity is not moved outwards beforethe mould cavity is filled, and the above-described compensation for theexpansion of the mass takes place entirely by moving the base inwards.

[0139] As soon as the belt 10 lies over the outer opening of the mouldcavity 4, the fixing pressure can be generated in the mould cavity,which is then closed on all sides. This may, for example, be achieved byexerting an excess pressure on the inside of the membrane 60 with theaid of excess-pressure tray 64. Also, if appropriate in combination withthe above, an excess pressure could be exerted on the outside of thebelt 10, as described with reference to FIG. 5. Excess-pressure tray 65could assist with ejection of the product.

[0140] It will be clear that the concept described with reference toFIG. 10 of moving the base of the mould cavity into an outer positionprior to or during filling of the mould cavity and then moving it intoan inner position after the mould cavity has been filled and before thebelt or a fixed closure member which bears against the outside of thedrum is reached, closing off the mould cavity on that side, can also beimplemented in moulding machines with a mould-cavity base which isinherently rigid and can be moved by appropriate displacement means.This inwards movement prevents a head of meat mass projecting from theuncovered outer side of the mould cavity and being spread out by contactwith the closure component. After the mould cavity has been covered bythe closure component, the base of the mould cavity can be movedoutwards again, if appropriate in order to produce the desired fixingpressure by means of the position of the base. Furthermore, it will beclear that this concept can be applied to all types of moulding machineswith mould cavities which move past a filling component, i.e. not onlyrotating drum type machines but also slide plate machines and turretmachines.

[0141]FIG. 11 shows a cross section through part of a moulding machine,the rest of which is not shown, for example one of the above-describedmoulding machine of the rotating drum type, for moulding athree-dimensionally moulded product from a mass of foodstuff which issuitable for human consumption, in particular from a mass which consistssubstantially of pounded (chicken) meat. The part which is shown relatesto a drum 2 and a mould 150 which is fixed therein by means of bolts orother attachment means and is made, for example, from metal or rigidplastic, with a mould cavity 151 therein. The mould cavity 151 isdelimited by a base 152 and a circumferential wall 153 and is open onthe side lying opposite the base 152. A first passage 154, which is incommunication with one or more first nozzles 155 located in the centralarea of the base 152, is associated with the mould 150. Furthermore,there is a second passage 160 which is in communication with one or moresecond nozzles 161 in the base 152. These second nozzles 161 lie in anannular area between the central area of the base, which is providedwith the first nozzles, and the circumferential wall 153, or ifappropriate even in the circumferential wall 153, in the vicinity of thebase 152. The passages 154 and 161 can be selectively connected to asource of air or another gas under pressure or to a vacuum pump oranother reduced-pressure source.

[0142] To prevent contamination of the mould 150 and to avoid adhesionbetween the meat mass and the mould 150, there is provision for aflexible membrane 165 to be arranged between the walls of the mouldcavity and the portion of meat 166 which is to be introduced into themould cavity 151. In this figure, the thickness of the membrane 165 isexaggerated, and the membrane may, for example, be formed by adisposable film or by the elastic belt as described above. Ifappropriate, the membrane 165 may form part of the mould 150 and may befixed to the mould 150 in the vicinity of the circumferential edge ofthe filling opening of the mould cavity 151.

[0143] If the membrane 165 is a film as described, for example, withreference to FIG. 5, the air which is present in the mould cavity 151after the film has been placed over the opening of the mould cavity 151is sucked out via the first and/or second passage 154, 161, so that thefilm comes to lie taut against walls of the mould cavity 151. Then, ifappropriate at the same time as the mould cavity 151 is evacuated, theportion of meat is introduced into the mould cavity 151.

[0144] The above-described design of the mould 150 is also important forreleasing the moulded meat product from the mould cavity 151. In thiscase, there is provision for a pressurized medium to be fed first to thesecond passage 160 and thus the nozzles 161 in the vicinity of thecircumferential wall 153, while no medium is being fed to the firstnozzle(s) 155, or even a reduced pressure is maintained at the firstnozzle 155. This ensures that the product 166 is firstly pressedoutwards in the area in the vicinity of the circumferential wall of themould cavity 151 while the product in the centre remains in position. Bythen feeding a pressurized medium via the first nozzle(s) 155 as well,the whole of the product 166 is removed from the mould 150 and movesuniformly upwards.

[0145] The membrane may also at the same time serve as (part of) thepackaging of the moulded product; for example, it is conceivable for themembrane 170 from FIG. 12a to be placed as a loose element inside themould and to be held in place temporarily, for example via a vacuumgroove running along the circumferential wall of the mould cavity, andto remain around the product as packaging after the product has beenmoulded.

[0146] The inventive concept explained with reference to FIG. 11 canalso be realized with a base/wall covering structure for the mouldcavity as shown in FIG. 12a. In this design, the base 152 and the wall153 of the mould cavity are covered by a covering with a flexible part170, which covers the wall 153 and an annular area of the base 152 whichadjoins the wall, and a stiffer or even hard part 171, which covers thecentral part of the base 152. By then supplying air via passage 160, theinitial movement takes place in that part of the mass 166 which islocated along the wall 153. Then, the centre of the said mass 166, whichis supported by the rigid part 171, also moves out of the mould cavity4. The rigid part may also be made of the same material as the flexiblepart 170 but may then be cooled and therefore be made more rigid, forexample by cooling, for example using cold nitrogen.

[0147] In a variant, the rigid part 171 of the membrane is absent, andis replaced by a rigid piece of the edible product which is ultimatelyto be produced on the membrane.

[0148] The structure shown in FIG. 12a is particularly advantageous forexerting a fixing pressure on the mass 166, since the said mass 166 iscovered on the side of the opening in the mould cavity by a suitableclosure component. By then exerting air pressure via passage 154, thehard disc part 171 presses against the mass, in fact in the manner of apiston, but without the associated disadvantages.

[0149] In a variant shown in FIG. 12b, the cover comprises flexible filmor a flexible membrane 180, and a part of the base 152 of the mouldcavity which is free of the wall 153 is designed as the end face 180 ofa moveable disc-like piston 181. The annular area 182 of the base 152around the piston 181 lies—in the retracted position of the said piston181—further inwards than the end face 180. Nozzles of air passage 184are present in the mould 150, below the piston 181. If the mass 166 iscovered on the side opposite the piston 181 and if it is desired toexert a fixing pressure on the mass 166, air or some other gas or aliquid can be supplied under pressure, via the air passage 184, so thatthe piston 181 is pressed outwards and the mass is placed underpressure. If the product, after the fixing period, is no longer covered,and the moulded product is ejected, pressurized medium can again besupplied via passage 184, with the result that this pressurized mediumemerges from under the piston 181 and initially presses the mass 166outwards in the annular area, followed by the piston 181.

[0150] It will be clear that the mould designs described with referenceto FIGS. 11 and 12a, 12 b, 12 c may also be applied to all the known andabovementioned types of (meat) moulding machines, i.e. also in machinesof the slide-plate and turret type.

[0151] The abovementioned moulds are all of “self-releasing” design, sothat it is not necessary to design the mould in two or more parts whichhave to be moved apart in order to remove the moulded product from themould. It will be clear that the inventive concept can also be appliedto a mould with a mould cavity which is not of “self-releasing” designand, for example, comprises two mould halves which have to be movedapart in order for the moulded product to be released. Such moulds mayalso, for example, be placed around the circumference of a drum oraccommodated in a turret, which will be explained in more detail withreference to FIGS. 18a and 18 b.

[0152]FIG. 12c shows a mould 190 of particular design which can be usedto produce products which are not automatically released. The mould 190comprises two mould halves 191 and 192, of which the mutually facingsides, which between them delimit a mould cavity 196, are at leastpartially defined by the heads of a large number of pins 193 and 194,respectively. The pins 193, 194 can be moved in their longitudinaldirection, so that in this way the shape of the mould cavity 196 can bedetermined. The mould cavity 196 may be filled on the side 195 and mayalso be opened on that side, although release may also, if appropriate,take place on the other side. A membrane 197 lies over the heads of thepins 193, 194 and may, as described above, be a (packaging) film, forexample.

[0153] The mould 190 can also be used to exert a fixing pressure afterthe mould cavity 196 has been filled, for example by moving the pins ofone of the mould halves slightly towards the other mould half.

[0154] To provide cohesion of the pieces of meat in the mould, localheating may be provided, so that the product becomes dimensionallystable as a result of coagulation. As an alternative, it is possible tofreeze the mass in the mould cavity. In the case of these thermaltreatments of the mass in the mould cavities, it is deemed advantageousto arrange thermal insulation between the mould cavities. When a meatmass is heated, fat may be released, which fat may facilitate removal ofthe moulded product from the mould cavity.

[0155]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a moulding device 70 of the“rotating drum type”, for example designed as described above withreference to FIGS. 4-10, with an associated filling component 71. Tofeed the meat mass to the filling component 71, an extruder 72 isprovided, having an extruder screw 73 which can rotate inside anassociated extruder tube 74. The extruder 72 is fed with meat from astorage container 75, which meat is pounded by the extruder 72 and ispushed towards the filling component 71. The consistency and inparticular the viscosity of the meat mass coming out of the extruder 72are of great importance for the operation of filling the mould cavitiesof the moulding device 70 and for forming the moulded meat products.Therefore, the invention provides for additives to be added to the meatmass in the extruder 72 when necessary, in order to alter the viscosity.Furthermore, additives may be added to the meat mass at the extruder 72,preferably by means of feed means 76, 77 which are connected to theextruder tube 74. These additives may, for example, be spices,flavourings and colorants, water, egg white, etc., but it is alsoconceivable for another type of meat to be added. The additives are fedto the extruder tube 74 under pressure. Preferably, the pressure of themeat mass is regulated in the chamber of the filling component 71, insuch a manner that the pressure in that chamber is kept within apredetermined pressure range, for example by regulating the rotationalspeed of the extruder screw 73. As an alternative to an extruder screwas shown and described here, it is also conceivable to use a differenttype of conveying/mixing component for supplying and mixing the mass tothe moulding machine. By way of example, a ribbon mixer could be used.

[0156]FIG. 14 shows a variant embodiment of the device shown in FIG. 13,with which it is possible to produce layered products. This figure, inaddition to the components which are provided with the same referencenumerals as those in FIG. 13, also shows a special filling component 141with two connections, one for the extruder 72 and one for a secondextruder 142, which is only shown in part. In the filling component 141,each connection is adjoined by an associated system of passages whichhas branching passages which divide the streams of pounded foodstuffemerging from the extruders 72 and 142 into sub-streams. The passages ofeach system of passages each end at an associated outlet nozzle. Bysuitably designing the filling component 141 it is possible, forexample, to supply a plurality of alternating, adjacent sub-streams ofdifferent masses at the location where the mould cavity moves past thefilling component 141 and to place these different masses into the mouldcavity. In this way, it is possible, for example, for a product p tocomprise a middle strip 145 of a foodstuff delivered by extruder 72 andtwo outer strips 146, 147 of a foodstuff delivered by extruder 142. Thestrips 145-147 adjoin one another transversely with respect to thedirection of rotation of the drum 70. obviously, a product may becomposed of even more strips and/or even more extruders could beconnected to the filling component 141.

[0157] It will be clear that if the mould cavities of the drum havetheir filling opening on the inside, the filling component 141 may alsobear against the drum on the inside.

[0158]FIG. 15a shows a variant embodiment of the device according to theinvention which makes it possible to produce a product with an internalfilling, for example a chicken product with an internal filling ofsauce, and/or a layered product.

[0159] The device 200 has a rotatable drum 202 with mould cavities 204,the base 205 of which is able to move inwards and outwards, for exampleby forming the base as a piston which can be moved to and fro. Thedevice 200 comprises a first filling component 206 which, as seen in thedirection of rotation of the drum 202, is in this case located upstreamof the highest point of the path of the drum 202. On reaching the firstfilling component 206, the base 205 of the corresponding mould cavity204 is in a position which is located towards the outside with respectto the final thickness of the product which is to be produced. Thefilling component 206 is then used to fill the mould cavity 204 with a(meat) mass. Then, the base 205 moves inwards, and a hollow is pressedinto the (meat) mass by a hollow-pressing component 210 which is locatedalong the drum 202. The hollow may be of any desired form, including anannular recess. Then, a portion of filling is placed into the saidhollow by means of a filling-feed component 211. The filling may beliquid, but could also be solid, for example a block of frozen sauce oran edible body. In the case of a solid piece of filling, it would bepossible to dispense with the operation of forming the hollow.

[0160] After the filling has been placed in the hollow, a second layerof the meat mass is placed into the mould cavity 204 with the aid of asecond filling component 213 which is located downstream of the firstfilling component. By introducing meat mass using the second fillingcomponent, the filling is completely enclosed between the two layers ofmeat mass. Furthermore, it is now possible to exert a fixing pressure onthe mass in the mould cavity 204, preferably in one of the waysdescribed above, for example at the location of closure component 214.Then, the moulded product with the internal filling can be ejected fromthe mould cavity 204, during which operation the base 205 is movedoutwards.

[0161] It will be clear that a product composed of a plurality of layerscan be formed in each moulding cavity using a device which comprises aplurality of filling components which are arranged one behind the otherin the direction of rotation of the drum, with the mould cavities whichmove past the filling components having a moveable base, which base isthen moved in a stepwise manner in order to increase the size of themould cavity and in order to be able to accommodate a new layer of(meat) mass. This measure could also be combined with a fillingcomponent as described with reference to FIG. 14, so that various layerscan be formed both in the thickness and in the width of the product.

[0162] In a variant which is not shown, no filling is introduced intothe product, but rather two products which are separated from oneanother by a film or the like are produced in one mould cavity. This ispossible by arranging a film over the outside of the mould cavity afterit has moved past the first filling component 206, after which the baseof the mould cavity moves inwards, and then a following product isformed on the film by means of the second filling component 213. As analternative to film, a loose disc could also be used.

[0163]FIG. 15b shows a moulding device 230 with two drums, 231 and 132respectively, which are positioned next to one another and are eachprovided with associated mould cavities 233 and 234 on the outercircumferential surface. The drums 231 and 232 are driven in rotation inopposite directions but at the same circumferential speed, by means ofdrive means (not shown). Furthermore, the cross-sectional dimensions ofthe openings of the mould cavities 233 and 234 are identical, so that,given a suitable arrangement of the drums 231 and 232, it is possible tomake two mould cavities 233 and 234 accurately adjoin one another. Inthis case, the delimiting edges of these two mould cavities bear tightlyagainst one another. To allow the drums to rotate, it is possible forone of the drums to be moved sideways to and fro with respect to theother drum during rotation. As an alternative, the delimiting edges ofthe mould cavities of one or both drums could be designed in such amanner that they can be compressed resiliently.

[0164] Each drum 231 and 232 has an associated filling component 235,236, by means of which meat mass or the like can be introduced into amould cavity. On the downstream side of each filling component 235, 236,there is an associated closure component 237, 238 with dimensions whichare such that the component closes off a mould cavity at least while themould cavity is still in communication with the filling component. Inthis way, a completely filled mould cavity can be obtained in bothdrums, with the mass in the mould cavity projecting outwards withrespect to the plane running across the delimiting edges of the mouldcavity. As the drums 231 and 232 rotate further, the filled mouldcavities then come to lie next to one another, with the delimiting edgesof these mould cavities adjoining one another in a sealed manner andthus forming a completely closed space. By means of this measure, themass in this space is compressed with respect to the situation after ithas moved past the filling component, so that by means of thiscompression the mass in the closed space is subjected to a fixingpressure. Obviously, it is also possible to provide additional measuresfor controlling the fixing pressure, for example the use of film betweeneach of the drums and the mass which is to be fed, and the exertion of agas pressure between the drums and the film at the time at which the twomould cavities adjoin one another.

[0165] The fixing pressure produces adhesion between the pieces of meat,after which the meat product p can be removed as a cohesive unit and canbe discharged via conveyor device 240.

[0166] It will be clear that the device 230, instead of having drums 231and 232, may also be produced with two turrets which run past oneanother, in which case, for example, the path over which the mouldcavities adjoin one another, and therefore over which the fixingpressure prevails, can be extended further.

[0167]FIGS. 16a and 16 b and 17 a-h show an alternative moulding devicefor producing three-dimensional products from foodstuff. This devicecomprises a stationary central tube 310 which is preferably arranged atthe end of an extruder 302, as can be seen from FIG. 16b. In the centraltube 301 there is an opening 303, through which (meat) mass which hasbeen fed via the interior of the tube 301 can move out of the tube 301.A ring 305 which can be driven in rotation and is coupled to a drivemotor, for example by means of a gear wheel/gear ring transmission 306,lies around the outside of the tube 301.

[0168] The ring 305, together with the tube 301 which fits inside it,forms two substantially C-shaped chambers 308 and 309 which are locatedaround the tube 301. These chambers 308, 309 each have an associatedoutlet 310, 311, respectively, leading to the outside of the ring 305. Astationary cylindrical outer casing 312 with a single opening 313, whichmay be aligned with a matching outlet 310, 311, fits around the outsideof the rotatable ring 305. The outer casing 312 is arrangedeccentrically with respect to the tube 301.

[0169] The chambers 308 and 309 are separated from one another byinwardly projecting lobes 314, 315 on the ring 305, which lobes aredesigned in such a way that, in the event of rotation of the ring 305,they continue to bear in a sealing manner against the tube 310.

[0170] The opening 303 and the opening 313 are arranged in such a waythat, in the event of rotation of the ring 305, they temporarily comeinto communication with the same chamber 308 or 309.

[0171] This device operates as follows. When the device starts up, thechamber 308 will be filled via opening 303, this operation taking placefor as long as this chamber is in communication with the opening 303(cf. FIGS. 17a-17 c). Then, the volume of the chamber 308 becomes eversmaller as a result of the eccentric arrangement of the ring 305 withrespect to the tube 301, until a minimum volume is reached (FIG. 17e).As a result of this reduction in volume, the mass in the chamber 308 iscompressed by a pressure which is independent of the pressure with whichthe mass has been introduced into the chamber 308 via the opening 303.When the ring 305 rotates further, the volume of the chamber 308increases again and, as soon as the chamber 308 reaches the opening 303again, further mass will enter the chamber 308 adding to the alreadycompressed mass (FIG. 17g). As soon as the outlet of the chamber 308then reaches the opening 313 in the outer casing 312 (FIG. 17h), at thatmoment mass which flows in via the opening 303 presses a portion of thealready compressed mass outwards via the outlet. It will be clear thatthe same process takes place in chamber 309.

[0172] To regulate the pressure with which the mass is compressed, it ispossible for the device to be designed in such a manner that theeccentricity can be adjusted within a defined range.

[0173]FIGS. 18a and 18 b show an embodiment of a moulding device 325according to the invention in which a mould comprises two mould halves326 and 327 which can move with respect to one another. The two mouldhalves 326 and 327 may, for example, be accommodated in a turret whichtransports the mould halves along a path. In this case, the design may,for example, be such that, in a bend in the path, the two mould halves326 and 327 are moved away from one another, as in FIG. 18b, and in astraight part of the path bear against one another, so that the mould328 is then closed.

[0174] The mould half 326 is provided with a feed tube 329 for feedingthe (meat) mass to the mould cavity 328. In this case, however, in theopen position of the mould, a balloon-like membrane 330 is placed in themould, with its opening connected to the feed tube 329, so that the massmoves into the balloon 330. The balloon 330 is preferably made from anelastic plastic material, preferably of a quality which is such that theballoon can be used directly as a packaging material for the mouldedproducts 331.

[0175] After the mould has been closed, mass is then introduced into theballoon 330, so that this balloon adopts the shape of the mould cavity328. After the filling has finished, the balloon already exerts a fixingpressure on the mass, but preferably additional measures are provided inorder to produce a controllable fixing pressure. For example, a pressuremedium can be placed between the mould and the balloon 330 viaconnecting passage 335, the pressure of which medium can be regulated inorder to control the fixing pressure.

[0176] When the fixing period has expired, the mould can be opened andthe moulded product 331, which is packaged inside the balloon 330, canbe removed and discharged using discharge means 336.

[0177] The method according to the invention is described in claims 1-5,and a number of moulding devices which are suitable for implementingthis method are described in the following claims. However, the presentinvention also relates in part to the moulding devices themselves,independently of the method according to claims 1-5, a fact which couldbe represented by replacing the current wording “moulding device forcarrying out the method according to one of claims 1” by “Mouldingdevice for moulding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuffwhich is suitable for human consumption”. Furthermore, it will clearthat the present description, with reference to various figures,mentions numerous aspects which can be combined by the person skilled inthe art and may, for example, be implemented in a single mouldingdevice. It will be clear that the present application also relates tosuch combinations and devices.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved method for molding three-dimensionalproducts from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for humanconsumption, comprising the steps of: a. filling a mold cavity having afilling opening with a portion of a mass of foodstuff via the opening,wherein a filling pressure is exerted on the mass for a filling period;b. closing the opening of the mold cavity; c. retaining the mass in theclosed mold cavity for a fixing period, wherein for at least a portionof the fixing period a fixing pressure is exerted on the mass to form amolded product; and d. opening the mold cavity and removing the moldedproduct.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the fixing pressure isvariable during the fixing period.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thefixing pressure is greater than the filling pressure.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the duration of the fixing period is independent of theduration of the filling period.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein thefixing pressure exerted on the mass is substantially eliminated beforethe mold cavity is opened.
 6. A molding device for moldingthree-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitablefor human consumption, comprising: a. a drum having a direction ofrotation and comprising a drum wall having at least one mold cavityextending through the drum wall; b. a mass-feed component adjacent thedrum for feeding and pressing the mass into the at least one moldcavity; and c. separating means for removing any mass projecting fromthe at least one mold cavity of the drum.
 7. The molding device of claim6, wherein the at least one mold cavity comprises a first and a secondmold cavity and wherein the separation means are arranged on the drumand wherein separate separation means are associated with the first andthe second mold cavity.
 8. The molding device of claim 6, wherein theseparation means are fixed at a separation position along the drum. 9.The molding device of claim 6, wherein the drum comprises a firstsurface and a second surface and the mold cavity comprises a firstopening positioned along the first surface of the drum and a secondopening positioned along the second surface of the drum and wherein themass-feed component comprises at least one compartment having a feedopening adjacent the first opening of the mold cavity to feed mass intothe mold cavity, wherein the molding device further comprises a closurecomponent for at least temporarily closing the second opening of themold cavity.
 10. A molding device for molding three-dimensional productsfrom a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption,comprising: a. a drum having a first surface, a second surface, and adirection of rotation and comprising a drum wall having at least onepassage extending through the drum wall, wherein the at least onepassage has a first opening positioned along the first surface of thedrum and a second opening positioned along the second surface of thedrum; b. at least one molding component positioned on the first surfaceof the drum and positioned over the first opening of the passage,wherein the molding component comprises a slideable mold; and c. amass-feed component positioned adjacent the second opening of the atleast one passage to feed mass through the passage and into theslideable mold.
 11. A molding device for molding three-dimensionalproducts from a mass of foodstuff which is suitable for humanconsumption, comprising: a. a drum having a first surface, a secondsurface, and moving along a path and comprising at least one mold cavitydefined by mold walls and having a cavity opening positioned along thefirst surface of the drum; and b. a mass-feed component positionedadjacent the drum for feeding mass into the at least one mold cavity.12. The molding device of claim 11, further comprising a belt positionedadjacent the drum, wherein the belt bears against at least a portion ofthe first surface of the drum to at least temporarily close the at leastone mold cavity.
 13. The molding device of claim 12, further comprisinga film-feed means for feeding a film between the belt and the firstsurface of the drum.
 14. The molding device of claim 12, furthercomprising belt pressure means to exert pressure directed substantiallytoward the drum on at least a portion of the belt that bears against atleast a portion of the first surface of the drum.
 15. The, moldingdevice of claim 11, further comprising: c. film-feed means positionedadjacent the drum for placing a film to at least partially cover the atleast one mold cavity before mass is fed into the cavity; d. vacuummeans for removing air from the mold cavity at least partially coveredby the film so that the film comes to lie against the walls of the moldcavity; and e. ejector means for removing the mass from the at least onemold cavity.
 16. The molding device of claim 15, further comprisingaeration means for feeding air into the at least one mold cavity. 17.The molding device of claim 15, further comprising a connecting passageconnecting the at least one mold cavity and the second surface of thedrum.
 18. The molding device of claim 11, further comprising: c. firstfilm-feed means for placing a film to at least partially cover the wallsof the at least one mold cavity before mass is fed into the cavity; andd. second film-feed means for placing a second film over the mass whichis fed into the at least one mold cavity.
 19. The molding device ofclaim 18, further comprising a film-welding device for welding the firstand second films together.
 20. The molding device of claim 11, furthercomprising a belt positioned around substantially the entirety of thefirst surface of the drum.
 21. The molding device of claim 11, furthercomprising: c. first film-feed means for placing a film to at leastpartially cover the walls of the at least one mold cavity before mass isfed into the cavity; d. closure means for at least temporarily closingthe cavity opening; e. a connecting passage connecting the at least onemold cavity and the second surface of the drum; and f. pressure mediumfeed means for feeding a gaseous or liquid pressure medium into theconnecting passage to generate a fixing pressure in the mass enclosed inthe mold cavity by the closure means.
 22. The molding device of claim11, further comprising: c. closure means for at least temporarilyclosing the cavity opening, wherein the mold cavity is further definedby an adjustable base and has a cavity volume that varies depending onthe position of the base, wherein the mold cavity has: i. a first volumewhen the base is positioned in a first position before mass is fed intothe cavity; ii. a second volume when the base is positioned in a secondposition after mass has been fed into the cavity but before the cavityopening has been closed; and iii. a third volume when the base ispositioned in a third position after the cavity opening has been closedby the closure means, wherein the second volume is greater than thefirst volume and the third volume.
 23. A molding device for moldingthree-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitablefor human consumption, comprising: a. a mold comprising a mold cavity,wherein the mold cavity is at least partially lined with a substantiallyflexible membrane; and b. feed means for feeding a pressure mediumbetween the mold and the membrane at a feed position.
 24. The moldingdevice of claim 23, wherein the flexibility of the membrane is variableand wherein a part of the membrane which lies in the vicinity of thefeed position is less flexible than the remainder of the membrane.
 25. Amolding device according to claim 23, wherein positioning means areprovided for positioning a rigid, preferably edible, body on theflexible membrane in the vicinity of the feed position.
 26. A moldingdevice for molding three-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuffwhich is suitable for human consumption, comprising: a. a moldcomprising a mold cavity defined by side walls and a base and having acavity opening, wherein the base comprises a piston; and b. pressuremedium feed means having outlet nozzles arranged in the base of the moldcavity for supplying pressure to the base to move the piston.
 27. Themolding device of claim 11, further comprising: c. a pump device coupledto the mass-feed component for supplying the mass to the mass-feedcomponent.
 28. The molding device of claim 27, further comprising d.additive feed means for feeding additives under pressure to the pumpdevice.
 29. The molding device of claim 27, further comprising d.closure means for at least temporarily closing the cavity opening; 30.The molding device of claim 27, wherein a plurality of pump devices arecoupled to the mass-feed component for supplying different types ofmasses to the mass-feed component.
 31. A molding device for moldingthree-dimensional products from a mass of foodstuff which is suitablefor human consumption, comprising: a. a mold moving along a path andcomprising at least one mold cavity defined by walls and a base, whereinthe mold cavity has a cavity volume; b. a first mass-feed componentpositioned along the path for feeding a first mass into the at least onemold cavity; and c. a second mass-feed component positioned along thepath downstream of the first mass-feed component for feeding a secondmass into the at least one mold cavity.
 32. The molding device of claim31, wherein the position of the base of the at least one mold cavity isadjustable by the device to vary the volume of the mold cavity, whereinthe device moves the base into: i. a first position when the mold cavityis located along the path at the position of the first mass-feedcomponent, wherein the mold cavity has a first volume when the base isin the first position; and ii. a second position when the mold cavity islocated along the path at the position of the second mass-feedcomponent, wherein the mold cavity has a second volume that is greaterthan the first volume when the base is in the second position.
 33. Themolding device of claim 31, further comprising: d. a hollow-formingcomponent positioned along the path between the first mass-feedcomponent and the second mass-feed component, wherein the hollow-formingcomponent forms a hollow in the mass which has been fed into the moldcavity by the first mass-feed component; and e. a filling-introducingcomponent positioned along the path between the hollow-forming componentand the second mass-feed component for introducing a filling into thehollow.
 34. A molding device for molding three-dimensional products froma mass of foodstuff which is suitable for human consumption, comprising:a. a stationary central tube for receiving a mass of foodstuff andhaving a tube opening through which the mass exits the tube; b. arotating ring positioned around the tube; c. at least one chamber formedbetween the tube and the ring and having an outlet passage through whichthe mass exits the chamber; d. closure means for closing the outletpassage; and e. separating means for separating at least a portion ofthe mass exiting the outlet passage.
 35. The molding device of claim 34,wherein the closure means and the separating means are positioned on thering.
 36. The molding device of claim 35, wherein the closure meanscomprises a stationary outer casing positioned around the ring, whereinthe outer casing comprises a casing opening.
 37. The molding device ofclaim 36, wherein the mass exits the chamber when the casing opening isat least partially aligned with the outlet passage.